One of the world's largest consulting firms, Deloitte, has highlighted urban cycling as very important for future urban transport in a new study. Deloitte has published the study on the growing popularity of bicycles as a means of transport around the world, especially in cities. The company claims that the technological innovations, such asElectric bikes (e-bikes), will drive the growth of cycling worldwide.
Eco-friendly cycling in the city
The study predicts that the number of bicycle commuters in many cities around the world will double by 2022. Technological innovations, such as bicycle parts and urban planning tools, are largely helping to fuel this growth. Bicycles in the coming years will reduce traffic and significantly improve air quality in cities. However, this particularly applies to heavily populated cities.
The impact of so many more bikes on the road and therefore fewer vehicles could be significant and lead to societal changes. This can, for example, optimize vehicle traffic, which would significantly reduce congestion. More cyclists and less pollution are also good news for public health. This becomes even more important when you consider future population growth, especially in cities whose transportation systems are already reaching their limits. According to the study, an additional 2.5 billion people will live in cities by 2050. To put this into perspective, the United Nations reported that 1.7 billion people lived in cities in 2018.
Technical innovations
Deloitte also believes that this dramatic increase in cycling to work is fueled in large part by technological innovations in the industry. Such innovative approaches are making cycling in the city easier and more attractive for many.
“This growth in cycling is based on a variety of technological innovations, including predictive analytics, product and application design, wireless connectivity, digital urban planning tools, 3D printed parts and electrification,” the study says.
The role of e-bikes is obvious here. Despite the controversies they have sparked, such as the authenticity of e-bikes as real bikes and safety concerns about higher speeds, they remain a better alternative for now. As the study points out, it's not exactly a new concept either. The first patent for an electric bicycle was created in 1895.
Simply put, e-bikes make commuting easier and more accessible for more people. Other reports confirm that electric bikes are increasingly becoming better alternatives to vehicles.According to DeloitteThe number of e-bikes worldwide is expected to increase from 200 million to 300 million between 2019 and 2023.
